Makawao Park

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Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Makawao Park is a popular destination in Hawaii that offers many outdoor activities and attractions.


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Summary

Some of the reasons to visit the park include its beautiful views, lush greenery, and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, and relaxation in the park.

One of the specific points of interest to see in Makawao Park is the large banyan tree, which is one of the largest of its kind in Hawaii. Other highlights include the scenic views of the mountains and the park’s various sports facilities, including basketball and tennis courts.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the park is home to several rare and endangered plant species, and that it was once a popular spot for Hawaiian cowboys who would come to practice horse riding and roping.

The best time of year to visit Makawao Park is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This is when the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities, and the park’s greenery is at its peak. Visitors should also be aware that the park can get crowded during peak tourist seasons, so it is best to plan ahead and arrive early in the day for the best experience.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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